Othello Questions – Act IV Scene 1

Act IV, Scene 1
1) What are Othello and Iago discussing at the beginning of the scene? What physical reaction does Othello have to Iago’s information?
 
2) Whom do Iago and Cassio discuss while Othello is hiding? What does Cassio say about her? Whom does Othello think they are discussing and why?
 
3) Who enters at the end of Iago’s and Cassio’s conversation? What does she say to Cassio and what does she give him?
 
4) How does Othello plan to kill Desdemona? How does Iago suggest he do it? What is Othello’s response to Iago’s suggestion?
 
5) Who is Lodovico? How does Othello treat Desdemona in Lodovico’s presence, and what does Lodovico say about Othello’s behavior? What does Iago tell Lodovico about Othello’s behavior?

Act 3 scene 3 BIG QUESTION 3

I had rather be a toad

And live upon the vapour of a dungeon

Than keep a corner in the thing I love

For others' uses. (3.3.274-278)

1. How does this scene relate to Othello and hubris (excessive pride - part of the tragic elements)? How might Othello's pride mean he is more concerned by Iago's suggestions about his wife's possible infidelity? Consider:
1. How he reacts to Iago's suggestions once Iago has left, and what he says about Desdemona (262-281)
2. How Othello may feel, knowing that Iago seems to be holding back information about Desdemona - it seems like Iago knows something he does not

Act 3 scene 3 BIG QUESTION 2

She did deceive her father, marrying you,

And when she seemed to shake, and fear your looks

She loved them most. (3.3.209-211)

For she had eyes and chose me. (3.3.192)

1. How do ideas about difference and otherness help Iago's manipulation of Othello in this scene? Consider:
1. How Othello is reminded of the fact that Cassio helped him to woo Desdemona (lines 70-74) (Remember, Othello is insecure about how he speaks compared to Italian people 'rude am I in my speech')
2. How Iago reminds Othello of how different he is to Desdemona (lines 232-242)
3. The reasons Othello thinks that Desdemona may fall out of love with him (lines 267-270)

Act 3 scene 3 BIG QUESTION 1

O beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. (3.3.167-169)

These questions concern Act 3 scene 3 up to line 303.

opportunist

ɒpəˈtjuːnɪst/

noun

1. 1.

   a person who takes advantage of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle.

   "most burglaries are committed by casual opportunists"

strategist

ˈstratədʒɪst/

noun

1. a person skilled in planning action or policy. A person responsible for implementing a plan or strategy.

   "he is a cunning military strategist"

Reflect on Act 3 scene 3 so far. Do you think Iago is an opportunist or a strategist? You must give reasons for your response, with quotations from the play to support your opinion.